14k gold jewelry will not tarnish if it is treated with care. To preserve the lustrous shine of your gold jewelry, avoid exposure to harsh cleaning products, especially bleach. Occasional cleaning with a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or dish soap and water is a simple way to maintain its shine. Let the jewelry soak for 15 minutes, then clean with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely and blot dry with a chamois cloth. Avoid extreme heat and open flame. Do not use cream-based jewelry cleaners (or toothpaste) on gold as they may contain harsh abrasives that will scratch the surface of the gold.